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Referral for Driver Reexamination

Michigan law authorizes the Department of State to reexamine a driver when there is reason to believe the driver may be unable to operate a motor vehicle safely. The Department relies on information from law enforcement, medical personnel, Secretary of State branch staff, and concerned citizens, including family members, to identify unsafe drivers.

The Department of State provides a form, called a Request for Driver Evaluation (OC-88), that can be completed and submitted to the Traffic Safety Division to request a review of an individual's driving skills. This form is available at your local Secretary of State branch office or by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page. The OC-88 form will ask you for information about the driver and the incident or pattern of behavior that justifies an evaluation. You will also be required to include your name, address, telephone number and signature. This information will remain confidential to the extent permitted by law.

You may also write a letter to the Department of State at the following address:

Traffic Safety Division

Michigan Department of State P.O. Box 30810

Lansing, MI 48909-9832

Your letter must include the name, birth date, driver license number (if known), and current address of the driver being referred. In addition, the letter must describe an incident or pattern of behavior, or other evidence that justifies an evaluation. The request must also include your name, address, telephone number and signature.

There are many conditions that can affect a person's ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. Some examples of such conditions are loss of consciousness, convulsive disorders, or deteriorating muscular coordination such as Huntington Chorea, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and usage of drugs which impair sensory, mental and physical functions. Impaired or deteriorating vision may also affect the ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. Further information regarding conditions that may affect a person's ability to operate a motor vehicle safely may be found by reviewing the Department's physical standards or vision standards.

If the Department of State determines that a reexamination is necessary, the driver will be notified by mail. This notification will include the date, time and location where the driver will report.Prior to receiving a Notice to Appear, the Department will mail a medical statement and/or vision statement to be completed by a physician or eye specialist, respectively.

At the reexamination, the driver will be evaluated based upon the medical or vision statement, the completion of vision, road sign, knowledge, and on the road performance tests. A driver assessment analyst will determine if licensing controls are necessary and if it is necessary for the driver to appear for subsequent reexaminations. If needed, licensing controls may range from requiring special equipment and/or restricting driving times, to suspension or revocation of driving privileges.

While reporting an unsafe driver may seem drastic, in some cases it may be the only way to handle a serious situation. If you are concerned for the safety of a family member or friend who can no longer drive safely, or if you are concerned for the safety of other highway users, a referral to the Department of State is the responsible thing to do.